Desert Animals Adaptations To Conserve Water

The two main adaptations that desert animals show and have are for conserving water and dealing with extreme temperatures by maintaining their internal body temperature.

Desert animals adaptations to conserve water. The kangaroo rat is known for its ability to conserve water in the dehydrating conditions of its dessert environment. Plants in deserts have adaptations to conserve water. For example cacti have enlarged stems to store water as well as spines to protect these water reserves from thirsty animals.

All desert animals have learned ways and have adapted themselves either voluntarily or involuntarily to avoid the heat of the desert by simply staying out of it as much as possible. The main challenges xerocoles must overcome are lack of water and excessive heat. However some deserts receive less than 5 cm of rain per year.

This is made possible due to the physiology of the kidney. They have adapted in many ways to survive the harsh climate and conditions. The kangaroo rat which lives in the desert of southeastern Arizona is so good at conserving water that it doesnt have to drink at all.

One of the biggest water retention adaptations desert animals have is simply to avoid the sun and extreme heat. Their extra-long ears help to transfer out excess heat from their body into the air. Water is used up in the cooling process and can quickly dehydrate.

There are a variety of mechanisms- Many of the small mammals have special adaptations such as convoluted nasal cavities and highly concentrated urine which conserves water-. To do this they squeeze out every drop available to them and recycle it. The most animals small size use these strategies to adapt to the desert.

Camels arent the only animals that. Thus adaptations of desert animals are actually the adjustments to protect themselves against high temperatures to live without water and to conserve water as far as possible. Other common adaptations seen in desert animals include big ears light-colored coats humps to store fat and adaptations that help conserve water.